Make It In America in the 113th Congress: A Stronger Economy Through Manufacturing

When more products are made in America, there will be greater opportunity for our people to Make It In America. House Democrats’ Make It In America plan focuses on creating the best conditions for American businesses to manufacture their products, innovate, and create jobs right here in the U.S. President Obama has already signed ten Make It In America bills into law, many of which passed Congress with bipartisan support. Leaders in business and labor alike support the Make It In America plan because it will set us on a solid path forward to a future of greater competitiveness, more jobs, and long-term economic success.

FOUR PRIORITY AREAS CENTRAL TO ACHIEVING MANUFACTURING GROWTH

Since the Make It In America plan was launched, House Democrats have met with a variety of stakeholders – businesses, labor representatives, entrepreneurs, innovators, economists – and repeatedly heard the same ideas about what it will take to Make It In America. That’s why the Make It In America plan for the 113th Congress is focused on four key priorities that can bring about the changes needed to help businesses grow and create jobs here, and which are the most likely to draw bipartisan support. These priorities are central to creating jobs, helping manufacturers produce more goods here, maintaining America’s innovation edge, and preparing a highly skilled workforce.

Adopt and pursue a national manufacturing strategy

Right now, American manufacturers are facing international competitors that benefit from other nations’ carefully crafted manufacturing strategies. Such comprehensive strategies include tax incentives, investments in research, skills development initiatives, and support for infrastructure projects in order to help their manufacturers get ahead. A sustained national focus is necessary to ensure our policies are appropriately targeted and flexible to help our manufacturers compete. To do so, we must begin with a well-developed national strategy of our own.

Promote the export of U.S. goods

Manufacturers need access to markets, both domestic and international, in order to sell their products. That requires reliable physical and telecommunications infrastructure, enforcement of fair trading rules, and targeted assistance to compete successfully in global markets. Businesses that Make It In America ought to be able to sell their products not just at home but easily do so throughout the world.

Encourage businesses to bring jobs and innovation back to the U.S.

In order to maintain a strong economy and remain the world’s leader in innovation, we must encourage businesses to move jobs and innovation back to the U.S. where possible, and keep them here. When manufacturing moves overseas, innovation follows. As businesses face challenges including rising global shipping costs and times, and supply chain concerns, we have an opportunity to create an environment that capitalizes on the advantages the U.S. has to offer to get businesses to stay and invest here.

Train and secure a twenty-first century workforce

American businesses can only remain competitive when they have the trained and educated workers they need. We must strengthen our education and skills-training programs to make sure our workers are getting the preparation and certifications they need, and we ought to ensure that all those we train in high-demand skills have an opportunity to find work and contribute to our economy.

Click here to see a list of the ten enacted laws from the Make It In America plan.